John Groce wanted a big man in the class of 2013 and on Tuesday he snared his top target in Springboro (OH) native Maverick Morgan. Morgan, a 6'10 Center who is ranked as the #148 player in the Rivals 150 for 2013, chose Illinois over Wisconsin, Minnesota, Xavier, Dayton, and Vanderbilt. Morgan joins wing Malcolm Hill, the #52 player in the class of 2013, in the Illini recruiting class for 2013.

Why Illinois?

Morgan made his commitment following his visit on Tuesday where he received an offer from John Groce and the University of Illinois. However, Morgan was a player that was offered and had a previous relationship with Groce and his staff from their days at Ohio.

"(Illinois Head Coach John) Groce and (Illini Assistant Dustin) Ford, when they were coaching down at OU, they were one of the first schools to offer me. I thought that was pretty cool."